The Stand Comedy Club in Edinburgh welcomes a new board as it looks to its next 30 years

The Stand Comedy Club's first night took place in September 1995, in a pub basement in Edinburgh's Grassmarket. Seven people came. Three decades on, the club has a worldwide reputation for live comedy, three permanent purpose-built venues and 30 Fringe festivals behind it, and it is now preparing for its next chapter.

Co-founder Tommy Sheppard has stepped down as chairman after more than 30 years of involvement, handing over to a newly expanded board of directors supported by the management team. For the first time, the club has joint chairs, with Paul Sneddon and comedian and writer Jay Lafferty voted into the role.

Three new board members have joined: IT consultant Gareth Hunter, Glasgow venue manager and company production manager Fraser Milroy, and Jay Lafferty.

Tommy said it had been a blast, and that he was delighted to be stepping back knowing The Stand was in good hands, adding that he would still be chortling at the back of the room. Managing director Mike Jones said it felt like the club should be putting up a blue plaque to mark Tommy's contribution to live comedy since he and Jane Mackay set up The Stand 31 years ago.

The new directors have set out their priorities. Gareth Hunter said the board would continue to build on commitments to fair pay for staff, backing new talent and supporting the wider comedy community. Jay Lafferty said Tommy was leaving the company in a really strong position and that she looked forward to supporting homegrown talent. Fraser Milroy said he was delighted to provide a link between the club's operations, staff and management.

Today The Stand runs live comedy seven nights a week in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Newcastle. Comedians have long praised the Edinburgh club, with Stewart Lee calling it arguably the world's most perfect stand-up room, and Kevin Bridges describing it as his comedy home.

A testimonial event to celebrate Tommy's contribution is planned later in the year.

Listings and tickets for The Stand's Edinburgh shows are available on The Stand website.